We haven’t even started the 2019 college football season yet, but it’s never too early to discuss the bitter rivalry between Ohio State and Michigan. Perhaps not-so-affectionately called The Game, the matchup between the two titanic historical football blue-bloods has had its fair share of monumental matchups, media dust-ups, and crushing defeat.
Come to think of it, it’s all the ingredients one would expect for arguably the best rivalry in all of American sports.
As of late however, Ohio State has owned the rivalry like a beach-front condo in the Caribbean. Michigan men thought the balance would swing once Jim Harbaugh came swashbuckling in with his khakis, but that hasn’t happened despite a few seasons of promise. He now sits at 0-4 in a game that will be a part of whatever legacy he leaves behind in Ann Arbor.
So, here we sit on the doorstep of another season, and another one in which Michigan is being has been thrust into the clouds of high expectations. One in which many expect the Wolverines to finally get the Scarlet and Gray monkey off their backs.
But will it happen? We’ve still got over three months to discuss and hype it up, but as an early look, here’s three reasons Ohio State will win for the eighth-straight time, and three reasons why Harbaugh might have a smile on his face in the post-game press-conference for the first time on the last Saturday in November.
Next … Why Ohio State will win — again.
No. 1 – Justin Fields
Fields did not win the starting job at Georgia, but he punched his ticket in Columbus — at least for game one. He was the number one recruit in the country in 2018 according to some recruiting services, and has the ability and potential to be in the Heisman trophy race this fall in his first year as a starter.
As long as it all falls into place. And with the talent around him, there’s a good chance it will. But hey, time will tell.
No. 2 – A loaded receiving corps
Ohio State will have a younger receiving corps than last year, but it’ll be a deep and talented. KJ Hill will have his presence felt at H Back, while Binjimen Victor will be a red zone threat. Highly touted recruit Garrett Wilson will also be a strong factor on offense this year, as well as returning starter Austin Mack among others (see Chris Olave in last year’s Michigan game).
It might take some time for Fields to acclimate to these playmakers on the outside, but by the time the team travels to Ann Arbor, things should be rockin’ through the air.
No. 3 – J.K Dobbins
Dobbins rushed for more than 1,400 yards as a starter his freshman year in 2017, but saw his numbers slightly dip in his sophomore campaign as he split reps with Mike Weber — though he still surpassed 1,000 yards on the ground.
Dobbins will more than likely be a top five back in the country this year, and might find himself as a Heisman hopeful if he gets the volume and space it looks like he should get. He’s now a team captain, and he’s ready to go.
Next … Why Michigan could win at long last
No. 1 – Jim Harbaugh
Coach Harbaugh is widely criticized by Ohio State fans, but well-respected by the majority of the rest of the football circles. It’s true he has yet to beat Ohio State, but this does not reflect upon his coaching abilities, but rather the known fact that Michigan has had less talent than Ohio State.
Harbaugh coached in the Super Bowl not too long ago, and is one of the best coaches in the country. Yes, I said it. For proof, just remember where the Maize and Blue were before his arrival. He should have a leg up on first-year head coach Ryan Day this season . Please don’t @ me. I mean if not this year, then when?
No. 2 – Shea Patterson
Patterson will be entering this year feeling more comfortable after having one year as a starter under his belt. He was an efficient passer last year and is likely to be right there with Justin Fields fighting for the top QB in the Big Ten.
Simply put — it was a serious upgrade at the position from what we saw in 2017 and 2018, and he’s arguably the best quarterback Harbaugh has had so far up in Ann Arbor. Marry him with a new offensive-scheme brought in by new coordinator Josh Gattis, and OSU might be in trouble.
No. 3 – Defense
Michigan may have lost some big-names on the defensive side of the ball, but coordinator Don Brown always seems to figure it out. You can project the Wolverines to have another tenacious defense this season, with a highly talented defensive-line once again.
With Ohio State only returning one starter on the offensive line, look for the Michigan D-Line to win the battle in the trenches against the Bucks in November, when the weather and style of play depend even more on what the guys up front can do.
